"Y'got rocks in y'head or somepin?" Ivo demanded, trying not to look pleased. "I ain't gotta Nequity card, and even if I did, he's y'unnastudy."
"No, you don't understand. I don't want you to go on as Ivo Darcy playing Eric Everard. I want you to go on as Paul Lambrequin playing Eric Everard. You can do it, Ivo!"
"Good Lord, so I can!" Ivo whispered, temporarily neglecting to mumble. "I'd almost forgotten."
"You know my lines, too. You've cued me in my part often enough."
Ivo rubbed his hand over his forehead. "Yeah, I guess I do."
"Ivo," Paul beseeched him, "I thought we were—pals. I don't want to ask any favors, but I helped you out when you were in trouble. I always figured I could rely on you. I never thought you'd let me down."
"An' I won't." Ivo gripped Paul's hand. "I'll go on t'night 'n play 'at part like it ain't never been played before! I'll—"
"No! No! Play it the way I played it. You're supposed to be me, Ivo! Forget Strasberg; go back to Stanislavsky."
"Okay, pal," Ivo said. "Will do."
"And promise me one thing, Ivo. Promise me you won't mumble."